National Championships come to Chelmsford Athletics Centre

Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre is proud to be hosting the England Athletics Senior and Para Championships this weekend! 

With our outdoor running track freshly resurfaced, the top-class athletes taking part in the England Athletics Senior and Para Championships are in for a warm welcome. 

Two full days of championship races and events are open to the public, so don’t miss this opportunity to see some of Britain’s best athletes in action! 

What’s on for spectators? 

There will be lots going on over the weekend. Activities for the whole family include ‘funetics’ (fun athletics), a kid’s athletics hunt, face painting, free giveaways and, of course, a lot of athletics to watch! Food and drink will be available, though you’re also welcome to bring a picnic with you. 

This weekend will also see the official opening of the recently refurbished outdoor athletics track, with Deputy Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Jude Deakin, cutting a ceremonial ribbon on Sunday. 

Tickets are available online. If your children are enrolled in a local school, the whole family is eligible for free entry – just use promo code 2223072023 when signing up for tickets. 

Justin Hubbard, Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre Manager, says this event is great for Chelmsford. 

“

“Having such a high-profile championship at Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre is great for the city of Chelmsford, and very exciting for the centre. Having the opportunity to watch such talented athletes on our home track is not to be missed!”

Justin Hubbard, Centre Manager, Chelmsford City Council

Which national titles are up for grabs? 

Athletes will be competing for a number of national titles, including 100m and 200m, distance races, high jump, pole vault, shot put and javelin.

Vicky Griffiths of England Athletics says organisers are thrilled to be returning to Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre. 

“

“We’re excited to be back at CSAC with the Senior and Para Championships. Having held the England under-20s and under-23s Athletic Championships at the track in June, we know first-hand what a great venue it is.

"We’re sure this will be a very exciting event for spectators, with the best athletes in the country competing for National titles. And, with so many activities taking place, there’s something to entertain the whole family, whether they’re watching the athletics or not!”

Vicky Griffiths, Competition Delivery Manager, England Athletics

England under-20s and under-23s Athletic championships

This June, Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre hosted the England under-20s and under-23s Athletic Championships. The event, which saw over 2500 athletes, coaches and spectators visiting Chelmsford, was the first at the centre since the outdoor track’s resurfacing. 

This was the largest competition the centre has hosted in its history, with athletes travelling from all over the world to compete.  

British record holder Keely Hodgkinson was among the competitors, and she achieved a championship record performance in the U23 women’s 400m. Her time of 52.24 was a personal best (at the time – she since clocked 51.76 at the U23 European Championship!) and knocked the previous CR of 52.43 out of the park.  

Charlotte Payne also achieved a championship record in the U23 women’s hammer, with a throw of 71.16m – a full 12 metres ahead of her competitors. Another event highlight came from Michael Allison, who added more than 4 metres to his personal best in the U20 men’s javelin. 

We look forward to hearing of more records broken and personal bests beaten this weekend! 

Don’t forget, children enrolled in local schools are eligible for a free family ticket with promo code 2223072023. Full price adult tickets are £8 per day or £12 for the weekend, and concessions pay £5 per day or £8 for the weekend.